AirPods Pro 3 Could Enable Silent Siri Interactions via Infrared Sensors

For some time, speculation has circulated that Apple is working on a new iteration of the AirPods Pro featuring infrared (IR) cameras (as reported by MacRumors). While the existence of these cameras has been discussed, their intended function has been unclear—until recently.

What prompted Apple’s $2 billion investment in an AI firm this year?

Earlier this year, the tech giant based in Cupertino acquired Q.ai, an Israeli artificial intelligence company specializing in technology that decodes subtle facial expressions, for $2 billion. This deal stands as Apple’s second-largest purchase to date, surpassed only by its acquisition of Beats.

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This refers to the capability to interpret whispered or entirely unvoiced speech by monitoring skin and muscle shifts in real time. The purchase initially sparked considerable curiosity with limited explanation, but a plausible explanation is now emerging.

The concept is straightforward: IR cameras integrated into the AirPods Pro could potentially monitor minute facial adjustments around the jaw and lips, while Q.ai’s algorithms would convert those gestures into actionable inputs or written text.

How do earbuds relate to silent communication?

In simpler terms, facial gestures could allow individuals to compose texts, manage applications, or issue voice commands to Siri without producing any audible noise. Additionally, in July 2025, Apple received a patent for camera-driven systems resembling the dot projector used in Face ID, designed for measuring distance and creating 3D depth maps.

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Current AirPods models already come equipped with accelerometers and sensors that detect skin contact, suggesting the necessary hardware infrastructure may already exist. For general consumers, this innovation could facilitate discreet device interaction, particularly in loud settings or when maintaining quiet is essential.

Details regarding specific applications, implementation strategies, and iOS integration remain undisclosed. At present, the AirPods Pro 3 featuring IR cameras are anticipated to launch later this year, with a probable release window in September 2026.